Shop safe online

The internet is an easy and convenient place to buy almost anything, but if someone gets hold of your credit or debit card details, it can also put you at risk of being a victim of fraud. MasterCard and Visa have developed secure services to help you 'Shop Safe Online'.

• 'MasterCard SecureCode' and 'Verified by Visa' offer much greater protection when shopping online.
• Both services work in the same way - by using personal passwords to add an extra layer of protection when you buy online in retailer outlets.
• Signing up to the service does not restrict your ability to use your card or make purchases online.
• It doesn't matter if the website you are shopping on participates in the service or not. But when you do buy from a retailer that is participating, you benefit from the extra level of security.
• You can find out which retailers are currently participating by visiting the Visa website and the MasterCard website.
• Different card issuers have slightly different registration processes, but all are straightforward with easy-to-follow instructions.
• You will be asked some security questions.
• You will then have to create a personal greeting, called a Personal Assurance Message (PAM) and a password. When you create your password, try not to make it something obvious that could be easily read, such as your family name, your address or date of birth.
• When you shop at a participating retailer in the future, your PAM will be displayed. This way, you will know that you are securely connected to your card issuer's website, as only you and your card issuer know your PAM.
• You will initially have to register every card you own. But you won't have to re-register when you are issued with new or replacement cards when old ones expire.
• To sign-up, just visit the Visa website or the MasterCard website, depending on which cards you hold.
• You will then be able to see if your bank has signed up to the scheme. You will then be able to sign-up via their website. The number of banks and building societies who have signed-up is increasing all the time.
• If you're not sure, visit your bank's website and go to the section on security, or give them a call.

To read more about the secure services that Visa and MasterCard offer, visit the APACS website Shop Safe Online.